Eubank Jr vs Smith LIVE: Fight updates, result and reaction as Smith scores stunning KO
Smith floored Eubank Jr with a huge uppercut in the 4th round and the fight was waved off soon after in Manchester
Liam Smith produced a devastating fourth-round stoppage to beat Chris Eubank Jr in their middleweight grudge clash in Manchester.
With the build-up overshadowed by unpleasant exchanges during Thursday’s final pre-fight press conference, there was little love lost between the fighters as they walked out to a packed AO Arena.
Smith, a former WBO light-middleweight champion with 32 wins from 36 fights, made the better start and although Eubank Jr recovered, he was put down twice in the fourth before the referee stepped in to end the contest.
Smith made homophobic remarks and questioned Eubank Jr’s sexuality during Thursday’s press conference, with accusations of Smith cheating on his wife being thrown in the opposite direction, before Junior then wore a rainbow armband to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community for Friday’s weigh-in. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed that they will “consider the conduct of both boxers directly,” while British LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall has urged the governing body to show they take anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric seriously.
Relive Eubank Jr vs Smith with our live blog below:
Liam Smith def. Chris Eubank Jr - Round 4 KNOCKOUT
Eubank Jr was in control of that fight and had even started the 4th round well but got caught by a snap Smith shot, forced back into the corner and down he went.
It was all over from there. He got back up and went again but was wobbly and there was no way back.
A huge bruise has appeared under Junior’s eye. He looks annoyed at the stoppage but if the ref hadn’t stopped it, Roy Jones Jr in his corner was about to throw the towel in. WOW!
Liam Smith def. Chris Eubank Jr - Round 4 KNOCKOUT
It was carnage at the end! Eubank Jr thought he was still in the fight, it had been waved off but he was on autopilot and came forward for Smith again. It needed the corners to hold him back.
Amazing!
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith - Round 4
Better work by Smith. AND HE FLOORS HIM!
Smith forces him back to the corner, lands a couple of shots and Eubank down.
He’s back up but wobbly. He continues but DOWN AGAIN! And now it’s stopped. Carnage as Eubank tries to continue but it’s over!
LIAM SMITH WINS!
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith - Round 3
Smith comes forward and tries to work on the inside but put back on his heels by a Eubank right.
Junior is jabbing and feinting, looking to set Smith up but he’s not biting. It does have him in control though and the odd shot pierces the guard. Eubank starting to control this and a decent uppercut lands.
Towards the end of the round, he lands two or three on the spin. This is Eubank’s round although Smith is taking his shots is ok so far.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith - Round 2
Smith probably slightly busier in the opener, a couple of showier shots maybe but not a lot in it.
A bit more purpose early in the 2nd from Eubank - more snap in the jab and he then evades a couple of Smith rights and uppercuts.
The crowd getting behind Smith with every swing, even the stuff that doesn’t land clean, which, frankly, is most of it.
Some Eubank feints to try and draw Smith in but no big error from either man so far. Smith gets a bodyshot in from close.
Nothing decisive in the opening six minutes.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith - Round 1
Eubank Jr quite upright in his stance, Smith a bit lower. Both men in the orthodox stance.
Smith feinting with the front foot to try and draw the Eubank jab. An early couple of separations by the referee.
Good right by Smith - well timed as Eubank came in. Smith now marches Eubank towards the rope.
Eubank jab looking relatively sharp but Smith looking calm and composed, mixing his shots.
Smith now letting his right hand go and forces his foe back to the ropes but nothing really landing. Bringing that right over the top.
Intriguing first round
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith
The bell’s about to ring! Let’s go with this grudge middleweight clash
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